Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena and Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Over the weekend, sungura legend Alick Macheso proved that experience only gets better with age as he thrilled thousands of fans with two electric performances in Bulawayo and Beitbridge.
The revered 57-year-old musician, affectionately known as Baba Sharo, delivered back-to-back sold-out shows, first at Palace Hotel in Bulawayo on Friday, before heading to Pagomba Café in Beitbridge on Saturday.
With more than 7 000 fans attending the Bulawayo show, Macheso defied the notion that younger audiences now prefer urban genres over sungura. The veteran artiste silenced critics who doubted his ability to draw massive crowds, reaffirming his enduring popularity across generations.
Sharing the stage with him was Peter Moyo, the energetic son of the late Sungura great Tongai “Dewa” Moyo, who was also a close friend of Macheso. Their collaboration turned the Palace show into a nostalgic celebration of both legacy and longevity.
Peter Moyo, who performed a three-hour set instead of the planned two due to overwhelming fan engagement, showcased both his father’s timeless hits and his own compositions. His playlist included classics such as Muchina Muhombe, Wakanaka, Kapuka Kanonzi Rudo, Nemumvura Mese, Gandaremvura, and Handidi Navo. He also performed his own songs like Mwari Wangu, Ndiwe Urikupisa, and Hatina Nguva, proving that the Moyo legacy remains strong. At 1am, the Kingpin himself, Alick Macheso, took to the stage with his fans’ favourite Chengetai, immediately setting the tone for a high-energy performance. Unlike his usual conversational approach, Macheso let his signature bass guitar do the talking, captivating the audience with hits such as Petunia, Chimoko, Kurarama Inyasha, Zvimiro, and Chitubu, among others.
His four-hour set, which stretched until 5am, had fans dancing non-stop, soaking in every note from the sungura maestro. For many, it was a night they wished would never end. Yet, as dawn approached, Macheso had little time to rest as he left for Beitbridge to deliver another unforgettable performance.
At Pagomba Café, the energy remained just as high. Both Macheso and Moyo kept the border town buzzing, giving fans a festive-season preview filled with rhythm, emotion, and unity.
A heart-warming moment came when a female fan, who has attended all of Macheso’s shows this year, was recognised for her loyalty. Fellow fans gave her US$50, while Macheso himself added US$100, along with a branded T-shirt and cap from his band.
